Scowling: meaning, definitions and examples

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scowling

 

[ ˈskaʊlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

facial expression

Scowling refers to the act of furrowing one's brow and tightening the facial muscles, often as a sign of disapproval, anger, or deep concentration. This expression typically involves a frown, which makes the face appear more serious or threatening. People may scowl when they encounter something unpleasant or when they are involved in a conflict. The expression is a natural human reaction that can convey strong emotions without the need for words.

Synonyms

frown, glower, grimace, sulk

Examples of usage

  • She was scowling at the mess on the floor.
  • He scowled when he heard the disappointing news.
  • The teacher scowled at the students for their lack of attention.

Translations

Translations of the word "scowling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 franzindo

🇮🇳 गुस्से में देखना

🇩🇪 Finsterblick

🇮🇩 mendengus

🇺🇦 насуплений

🇵🇱 marszczenie brwi

🇯🇵 しかめっ面

🇫🇷 regard noir

🇪🇸 fruncir el ceño

🇹🇷 somurtmak

🇰🇷 찡그린

🇸🇦 عبوس

🇨🇿 zabradlování

🇸🇰 mračenie

🇨🇳 皱眉

🇸🇮 mračiti se

🇮🇸 móka

🇰🇿 қатулы

🇬🇪 მარაზმი

🇦🇿 müxalif

🇲🇽 fruncir el ceño

Etymology

The word 'scowling' originates from the Middle English term 'schoulen,' which means 'to frown' or 'to scowl.' It can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'skúll,' which denotes 'hood' or 'shade.' This earlier meaning relates to covering or concealing, reflecting how a scowling face can hide one's true emotions under a furrowed brow. Over the centuries, the term evolved to specifically denote the facial expression associated with displeasure or anger. Scowling became widely recognized as a non-verbal cue in various cultures, serving as an instinctive form of communication that transcends language. As societies progressed, the act of scowling retained its significance in conveying disapproval or anger, and the term has remained an enduring part of the English lexicon.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,904, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.